ACL Reconstruction

(Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction)

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is an important ligament that stabilises your knee joint. If you have torn (ruptured) this ligament (often during sports like football or skiing), the knee can collapse or ‘give way’ when making twisting or turning movements, disrupting everyday activities or sports.

The ACL reconstruction will replace that torn ligament. In situations where long term physiotherapy and wearing a knee brace has not stopped your knee from collapsing and giving way, this procedure is the best solution. This procedure aims to get you back close to normality and ensure you return to your usual day to day activities and some sports.

Arranging your Treatment

Before going ahead with this treatment, you will need to have an initial consultation with a specialist Consultant to go through your medical history and diagnosis. At this appointment, your consultant will confirm the exact treatment you require.

If you would like to have an initial consultation, you can call us and we can help you find the consultant best for you.

Alternatively, if you have already been diagnosed as needing a particular operation or treatment, our Reservations team can give you a guide price for this to be carried out at KIMS Hospital and book an appointment for you to meet a consultant.

Paying for your Treatment

You can be treated at KIMS by using your private medical insurance or by paying for yourself.

If you have private medical insurance, you will need to contact your insurer to ensure you are covered for the initial consultation prior to making an appointment and obtain an authorisation number. The insurance company will then need to be advised if you require further treatment. The insurance company usually settles bills on your behalf.

If you are paying for your own treatment, you will need to pay for an initial consultation. This will be confirmed at the time of booking but is typically £150-£250. You will also need to pay for any associated diagnostic tests your consultant recommends (for example x-rays and blood tests).

Following this consultation, if you don’t need any further treatment or if you decide paying for yourself isn’t the right option, there is no commitment to proceed further.

If you require the operation or procedure to be carried out, you will receive a quote for your treatment. In most case this will be the fixed price package quoted on this website. If this quote is different for any reason, we will provide an explanation (see what’s included below). This quote is also subject to pre-assessment checks prior to your admission to hospital.

Payment is required 7 days prior to admission.

Prices

The table below shows the approximate price for this treatment, which may vary depending on your individual case (see what’s included below).

Patient pathway

Diagnostic investigations

Main treatment

Post-discharge care

Guide Price

Hospital fees

£120

£4,750

Included

£4,750

Guide price

£120

£4,750

Nil

£4,750

What’s Included

The fixed price package above includes all the costs associated with this treatment at KIMS Hospital.

You will be given a quote prior to admission to confirm this cost. The amount you are quoted may differ from the published price for a number of reasons:

The Consultant you choose

Your medical history and whether you have any associated medical conditions which may impact this treatment

The type of anaesthetic your Consultant advises is best for you

The type of implant or drug you choose or your Consultant advises is best for you

In some cases, if you have certain pre-existing medical conditions, it may not be possible to provide you with a fixed price for your Main Treatment. If this is the case, the hospital will discuss the available options with you. Your quote is also subject to pre-assessment checks prior to your admission to hospital.

An ACL reconstruction takes an hour to an hour and a half. Prior to the operation you will be consulted by our anaesthetist, who will discuss the best anaesthetic solution suited to you. You will be given local anaesthetic injections on recovery to reduce post-operative pain. Antibiotics will also be prescribed to reduce the risk of infection.

The orthopaedic consultant will make several incisions around the knee and perform keyhole surgery looking through a camera. The ligament is replaced with a graft from another suitable area of your body (a ham string tendon is usually best). Bottom and top ends of the ligament are secured by special screws or anchors into the bone.

After the operation you will have an x-ray to ensure the ligament graft position is correct and secured effectively. You will be allowed home either on the same day or the day after, provided the medical team are content with your recovery.

Please ensure you have arranged for someone to collect you and assist you on your return home. Your knee will be swollen and hard to bend for some time. You will be given medication and gentle physiotherapy exercises to assist your progress.